Polling consistently shows Americans from all walks unite under banner of Social Security

Politicians first started calling Social Security the “third rail of politics” in 1982 after a massive backlash against an entitlement reform proposal put forth by President Ronald Reagan. When first proposed, it would have had the immediate effect of significantly reducing benefits for those taking early retirement.

Thanks to huge public outcry, Reagan’s administration was forced to go back to the drawing board to develop a reform strategy that wouldn’t push such dramatic and immediate cuts on so many American seniors. This lead then Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill to famously liken any attempt by a politician to tamper with Social Security to grabbing an electrified train rail — do it and get electrocuted.

Thirty-five years later, Social Security reform is once again front and center in Congress — and with benefits projected to be paid in full until 2034, we are rapidly running out of time to make some big decisions regarding the future of Social Security.

And if recent surveys and polls of American voters are any indication, the third rail of American politics is still incredibly high voltage.

88% of voters are opposed to cuts to Social Security benefits and 80% of voters would be less inclined to vote for a candidate who wanted to cut Social Security benefits.

86% of Americans agree that Social Security benefits do not provide enough income for retirees.

57% of Americans prefer a raise in Social Security taxes rather than a cut in benefits to ensure long-term solvency of the program

77% of working Americans would pay more to preserve Social Security benefits

83% of top earners would pay more to preserve Social Security benefits

67% of Americans don’t think Social Security cuts should be an option

Despite 35 years, it looks like American opinions across all demographics and party affiliations haven’t changed: not only do most Americans agree that seniors should never face painful cuts to their benefits, but most working Americans — including the very wealthy — would gladly contribute more to make sure those cuts don’t happen.

These results also send our elected officials another important message: 35 years may have passed, but the third rail of American politics is as live as ever. A majority of Americans will not tolerate cuts to Social Security — and they will not support a candidate who does.

Dan Perrin's answer: Yes. The Federal Government currently owes the Social Security Trust Fund $2.85 Trillion Dollars. That’s $2,850,000,000,000. While the Federal Government has borrowed from the Social Security Trust Fund since it began, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan (a Republican) and Spea.....

Borrow? The govt stole from social security and probably still stealing from it

121 - 22 hours 43 minutes ago

WE THE PEOPLE WANT OUR MONEY BACK

97 - 22 hours 20 minutes ago

Pay our money back with interest! I did not loan you the money and I did not owe you the money! I paid my money into Social Security for 35 yrs. and so did my employer and I want my money back!! I don’t want my money given to anyone!! If you want them to have money maybe you can give them money from your retirement! I want my money paid back. It is not yours and never was

23 - 19 hours 12 minutes ago

And where are they going to "borrow" it from to pay it back???
The Congressional Pension Fund, that they have never paid a dime into. Sounds good to me.